How to Avoid a Dog’s Bite

Dog bites happen, but often they can be avoided if people understand the mentality of a dog. The key to avoiding a dog bite is to recognize a dog’s body language, and to avoid behavior that will provoke a dog to violence.

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Chicago dog bite lawyers see cases where someone let their dog run loose, and  because the dog was stressed, he bit someone. While the owner is responsible for any damages, it is still true that most dog bites can be avoided by understanding how dogs think.

If you do run across a dog at large, here are a few tips that may help. If you do these, and still get bit, contact a Chicago dog bite lawyer. The American Humane Society recommends the following:

• Avoid crossing paths if at all possible. Before the dog sees you, go in a different direction.
• Avoid eye contact. Most dogs will see this as a confrontation.and feel the need to defend themselves against you.
• Avoid the temptation to run away. Dogs will chase you from instinct. Walk away slowly.
• If  you cannot avoid the dog’s path, remain still. Chances are the dog will sniff you and lose interest.

Sometimes dogs will bite their owners, or family members. This is a result of poor training as a puppy. Dogs are pack animals and someone is the leader and sets the rules. Some dogs are more naturally alpha types and require more training.

It is important to establish who is in charge early in the dog’s life. In this situation, it is usually the owner’s fault and a Chicago dog bite lawyer may not be able to help. A well trained dog  will respect you and the rest of your pack.

Here are some things to avoid to keep your own dog from biting you.

• Don’t approach the dog while he is eating.
• Don’t sneak up from behind, or touch her while she is sleeping.
• Don’t roughhouse, or play aggressively.
• Don’t assume a little dog won’t bite.

If you are attacked you may need a Chicago dog bite lawyer, but during the attack the Humane society recommends:

• Put something between you and the dog’s mouth, like your jacket.
• If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball and cover your ears until the dog leaves.